Israel weighs options after Iran's 'brazen' attack; UN meets

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FOX is told to expect a "robust foreign policy week" after this weekend’s events between Iran and Israel.

The House is ditching its original plan for "appliance week" and putting 17 bills on the floor "to hammer" Iran or show support for Israel.

Eleven bills will be on the suspension calendar, meaning they require a 2/3 vote to pass. One of those bills would ratchet up sanctions on Iran.

Six bills would head to the Rules Committee. Included in that batch is a bill to condemn Iran for the attack.

What about aid for Israel?

"That’s still being negotiated between the speaker and the White House," said a senior House Republican source.

FOX is told it’s still possible aid to Israel is tied to assistance to Ukraine.

Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.

Haiyun Jiang/Bloomberg via Getty Images

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Sunday he will aim to advance military aid for Israel this week as he attempts to gain approval from House lawmakers for a national security package that also includes funding for Ukraine and allies in Asia.

Johnson is already under tense political pressure from fellow Republican lawmakers amid the party's divided support for continuing to send millions of dollars to Ukraine for its war against Russia that began more than two years ago. For more than two months, the Speaker has sat on a $95 billion supplemental package that would send support to these countries, provide humanitarian aid for civilians in Ukraine and Gaza and offer funding to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan.

Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend further escalated the pressure on Johnson.

Johnson said during an appearance on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" that he and his fellow Republicans "understand the necessity of standing with Israel" and that he would attempt to advance the aid package this week.

"The details of that package are being put together right now," he said. "We’re looking at the options and all these supplemental issues."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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American and Israeli experts issued scathing indictments of President Biden’s alleged timid Iran policy after Tehran launched a massive aerial warfare attack on the Jewish state over the weekend.

The Islamic Republic, for the first time, executed direct missile and drone strikes into Israeli territory. The dramatic events in the heart of the Middle East have triggered calls for the Biden administration to reverse its reportedly dovish outreach to the ayatollahs who run the theocratic state. Biden is now urging Israel to recoil from a counterstrike.

"This was a massive, unprecedented and unacceptable strategic attack on Israel," Richard Goldberg, who was a member of former President Trump’s National Security Council, told Fox News Digital. "It would be a huge mistake to pull Israel back from a military retaliation, but it’s downright insanity to keep $10 billion accessible to Tehran in the aftermath. The president needs to lock down all the money he made available to Tehran these past months."

Last month, Fox News Digital reported that Biden defied opponents of Iran’s regime and waived sanctions on Iran’s cash-starved economy. Biden faced criticism after releasing as much as $10 billion into the coffers of the Islamic Republic. In January, an Iranian regime-sponsored proxy terrorist attack killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan.

The Biden administration insisted that Iran’s regime can’t use the funds for its growing military offensive arsenal. Critics argue that the $10 billion is fungible money and the financial allocation allows Iran to revise its budget to expand its military apparatus.

Goldberg, who is a senior adviser for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, added, "If the president is looking for economic and diplomatic responses to the Iranian attack, there are three obvious ones available: lock down the $10 billion, enforce U.S. oil sanctions and snap back U.N. sanctions. If Biden avoids these steps, this isn’t escalation avoidance. It’s continued appeasement."

Speaking on "Fox News Sunday" with Shannon Bream, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby rejected criticism that the administration has not been tough enough on Tehran, noting the sanctions and other measures used against Tehran: "It's hard to take a look at what President Biden has done and say that we've somehow gone soft on Iran."

Fox News' Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks during an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council on April 14, 2024 at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded member countries that they are barred from taking retaliatory military action against one another – reminding countries to show “maximum restraint” against Iran.

“I remind all member states that the Charter of the United Nation prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any states or in any other manner inconsistent with the purpose of the United Nations,” Guterres said, according to Reuters.

He said that all countries have “a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation.”

Guterres also called for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.”

“The Middle East is on the brink,” he said. “The people of the region are confronting the real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict.”

“Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate,” Guterres said.

U.S. military forces destroyed 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles from Iran and Yemen during its attack on Israel Saturday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.

The military operation included destroying a ballistic missile that was on a launcher vehicle and seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that were on the ground prior to their launch towards Israel.

CENTCOM said that the operation on the ground occurred in Iranian-backed Houthi areas of Yemen.

Officials said that CENTCOM “remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran.”

“Iran's continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces,” they added.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system fires to intercept a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, near Sderot, Israel, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel's first line of defense, labeled the Iron Dome, has rebuffed, and destroyed rockets from Hamas militants and Palestinian forces since its creation in 2011.

The missile defense system, which was developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has been 90% effective in intercepting thousands of rockets fired by Hamas terrorists, according to Israeli officials.

The defense system was integral to Israel's defense during conflict with Gaza in 2012 and 2014.

The Iron Dome is land-based and built to keep the citizens of Israel safe from barrages of rockets deployed most often from the Gaza Strip by Iranian-backed terrorists, Hamas.

The system is capable of tackling missiles with ranges between 2.5 miles and about 43 miles.

This is an excerpt from Fox News' Gabriele Regalbuto's article. Read more about the Iron Dome.

A group of self-described anti-war activists in Chicago cheered after learning that Iran had launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel.

"Twelve days ago, Israel brazenly hit an Iranian embassy compound in Syria, violating international law again… and Iran has just responded about 30 minutes ago," a man is heard telling a group, who responded with boisterous cheers. "They’ve sent, and this is from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard directly, they’ve sent drones and missiles against specific targets in occupied Palestine, Israeli targets in occupied Palestine."

"In addition, there are reports of drones having been fired on Israel from Yemen and Iraq as well," the man said.

Once again, the room erupted in cheers.

The anti-war activists called for the group to take immediate action, saying, "this country and the world needs us," adding that the U.S. was going to "defend the criminal Israeli state."

Those in attendance were heard booing at the notion the U.S. was going to get involved and defend Israel.

This is an except from Fox News' Greg Wehner's article. Read the whole article about the Chicago activists here.

Iran allegedly “engineered” a war in Gaza to destroy the progress they had made with Israel, an unnamed official from Saudi Arabia's royal family told Israel's Kan public broadcaster.

“Iran is a country that sponsors terrorism , and it should have been stopped a long time ago,” the official told the public broadcast.

The official said that Saudi Arabia intercepts “any suspicious object” that enters its airspace, referencing the kingdom’s alleged role in shooting down Iranian drones headed towards Israel.

Israel said it will resume educational activities throughout the country on Monday, April 15. (Photo: IDF)

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) eased homefront guidelines after closing schools and restricting gatherings that were implemented ahead of Iran’s missile strike.

"It was decided to restore educational activities across Israel," the IDF said in a statement.

The changes went into effect at midnight on Monday, according to the country’s Home Front Command.

Communities in the northern border and people living near the Gaza Strip were allowed to resume educational activities, in subject to continued restrictions.

The restrictions on gathering were also removed for “green areas,” the IDF said.

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani attends a meeting on the situation in the Middle East at U.N. headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., April 14, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)

Iran doubled down on their right to self-defense at an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council.

Iran’s United Nations Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani that their barrage of missile and drones to Israel was “entirely in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense, as outlined in 51 of the charter of the United Nations and recognized by international law.”

Iravani insisted that Iran’s actions against Israel was “necessary and proportionate.”

He said that the over 300 missiles launched towards Israel were “precise and only targeted military objectives.”

“[It was] carried out carefully to minimize the potential for escalation and prevent civilian harm," he said.

Iran thanked countries in the U.N. for condemning Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that left several generals dead.

“We thank those of the Council who condemned the Israeli army attack against our diplomatic premises in Syria,” Iravani said. “Regrettably, in this chamber, certain members of the Council, including the U.S., U.K. and France, have chosen, once again, to turn a blind eye to reality and overlook the root causes contributing to the current situation in hypocritical behavior.”

Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. blamed the U.S., U.K. and France for accusing Iran “without considering their own failure to uphold their international commitment of peace and security in the region.”

“They made unsuccessful attempts to use lies, manipulate the narrative, spread disinformation, and engage in a destructive blame game,” Iravani said. “All the while, they deliberately disregarded Iran's inherent right to respond to the violation of a fundamental principle of international law the inviolability of diplomatic representative and premises.”

“Moreover, they ignored the underlying root causes of the current situation in the region,” he said. “For over six months now, these countries, especially the United States, have shielded Israel from any responsibility for Gaza massacre and genocide.”

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said that Iran's attack on Israel "did not happen in a vacuum" and was a reaction to "disgraceful inaction by the U.N. Security Council."

“We have stated on many occasions that no country in the Middle East or Northern Africa should become an arena for regional or international confrontation, or an arena for settling political scores,” he said.

“What happened in the night of the 14th of April, did not happen in a vacuum, the steps undertaken by Iran became a reaction to a disgraceful inaction by the Security Council and a reaction to an egregious attack by Israel against Damascus, and not the first one, because Syria is constantly being bombarded by Israel,” Nebenzya said.

Oil prices are expected to rise Monday following Iran's attack on Israel, though the degree of the rise may depend on possible escalation. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Oil prices are expected to rise when markets open on Monday following Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend.

According to an analysis, an initial market reaction to the conflict could be “fierce and painful.”

"It is only reasonable to expect stronger prices when trading resumes," Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM told Reuters. "Having said that, there has been no impact on production so far and Iran has said that 'the matter can be deemed concluded.'"

"However fierce and painful the initial market reaction will be, the rally could prove to be short-lived unless supply from the region is materially disrupted," he added.

Last week, concern about a possible Iran strike pushed oil prices to their highest level since Oct.

This is an except from Fox News' Eric Revell. Read about the expected rise in oil prices.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood emphasized that the U.S. was “not seeking escalation” while attending an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council.

Wood said that the U.S.’ “actions have been purely defensive in nature.”

He argued that the best way to prevent an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran was an “unambiguous condemnation from the Council.”

Wood called for an “unequivocal call” from the U.N. for Iran and its proxies to “refrain from further violence.”

He said that the U.S.’ goal was to de-escalate and “get back to the issue at hand.”

“Securing an end to the conflict in Gaza by getting a ceasefire in Gaza through a hostage deal, as well as surging humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.”

In the emergency meeting, Wood previously said that the U.S. “condemns in the strongest terms the unprecedented attack on the state of Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its militant proxies and partners.”

“Iran's intent was to cause significant damage and death in Israel,” he said.

Wood said that Iran’s “reckless actions not only posed a threat to populations in Israel, but also to other U.N. member states in the region, including Jordan and Iraq.”

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. will “take all necessary action” to defend Israel but does not “seek escalation” with Iran.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced in a press release that Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Sunday for the third time this weekend to debrief on the countries “combined efforts” to defend Israel from Iran’s attack.

The secretary said that that Israel and the U.S.’ efforts to intercept Iran’s missiles was “successful.”

Secretary Austin also briefed Minister Gallant on his consultations with partner and allies to reinforce “international resolve in the face of Iranian aggression.”

Iran’s barrage of missiles drew cheers and applause from Palestinians, video showed.

Footage circulated of residents in Gaza, outside the Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, whistling and clapping as the skies were lit up by Iranian rockets and Israeli interceptions.

Residents were seen capturing the explosions in the night sky with their phones.

Israeli forces eliminated a “suspicious aerial threat” Sunday night as it crossed from the Red Sea into Israeli airspace.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they used their “C-Dome” Defense System to intercept the target.

“No injuries were reported, and no damage was caused,” the IDF said.

The IDF said that this was the second unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within a week that the “C-Dome” eliminated.

The first missile was intercepted by Israel Navy’s Sa’ar 6-class corvette missile ship.

After more than 300 missiles were launched at Israel, the Jewish State said that only a “few” crossed over, with one causing “minor damage” to an Israeli air force base.

Israel Defense Forces said that the Israeli Air Force alongside “strategic partner countries” successfully intercepted the barrage of missiles.

Out of the hundreds of launches, only a “few” crossed into Israel and caused “minor damages” at the Navatim Airbase, the IDF said.

The airbase suffered minor damage to infrastructure near the runway and to a nearby road.

The IDF said that the based continued functioning, with aircraft continuing to take off and "fulfil" their defense and offense missions” throughout the day.

“IDF soldiers deployed in all arenas are prepared and are continuing to defend the State of Israel,” they said.

Hossein Amirabdollahian, Iran's foreign minister, is seen during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York City on Friday, Oct. 27. Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Turkish, Jordanian and Iraqi officials said that Iran gave them notice 72-hours before Saturday’s attack on Israel -- but a U.S. official denied this.

Reuters reported that Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that he provided neighboring countries and Washington warning to prevent mass casualties and rampant escalation.

Turkey’s foreign ministry said it had also spoken to both Washington and Tehran prior to the attack.

“Iran said the reaction would be a response to Israel’s attack on its embassy in Damascus and that it would not go beyond this. We were aware of the possibilities. The developments were not a surprise,” a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters.

But a senior Biden administration official denied Amirabdollahian's statement, telling the publication that Washington had contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries but did not get 72-hours' notice.

“That is absolutely not true,” the official told Reuters. “They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of ... ‘these will be the targets, so evacuate them’.”

The official said that Tehran only sent the U.S. a message after the attack began, and the intent was to be “highly destructive.”

The official speculated that Iran only had given notice of their attack to cover embarrassment on the attack’s failure.

"We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack. So that was [their] message to us," the U.S. official said.

Iran's attacks are ‘proof’ that the country seeks escalation in the region and remains a threat to the “entire Middle East,” an IDF spokesperson said.

“Last night was the proof that Iran seeks escalation. Iran launched over 350 threats of suicide drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles and rockets towards Israel, and also other countries in the region could have got that threat on the way," IDF Spokesperson R.-Adm. Daniel Hagari said.

“Iran doesn't just pose a threat to Israel," he said. "Iran poses a threat to the entire Middle East."

Hagari said that Iran and its proxies launched missiles from Iran, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.

He said that there were “approximately 60 tons of warheads and explosive materials" launched towards Israel in the unprecedented attack.

Hagari said that Israel has “not lost sight” of rescuing the hostages in Gaza.

“Even while under attack from Iran, we have not lost sight. Not for one moment,” he said. “Or for [the] critical mission in Gaza to rescue our hostages from the hands of Iran's proxies, Hamas, or for our moral duty to do everything in our power to bring 133 hostages back home.”

Hagari also accused Iran of wanting to “escalate” tensions in region.

“Hamas and Iran want to ignite the Middle East and to escalate the region. We are still on high alert and assessing the situation. Iran, from the beginning of the war, wanted only one thing -- to escalate the region,” he said. “Until now, she worked through her proxies, but now, she revealed, trying to escalate the region herself."

“We have plans both for the offensive and the defensive. We are on the alert, but I’m not going to add anything beyond that at this point," Hagari said. "We have one job and one job only – to defend the safety of Israeli citizens.”

The Israeli Air Force's fighter jets and aircraft struck Hezbollah military compounds in southern Lebanon, the Israeli Air Force (IDF) announced on Sunday.

The IDF said that the jets and aircraft struck Hezbollah compounds and terrorist infrastructure in the areas of Kfarkela, Maroun El Ras, and Markaba in southern Lebanon.

In addition, the IDF said that a Hezbollah observation post was struck in the area of Matmoura, Lebanon.

Throughout the day, IDF soldiers also hit targets to “remove threats” in the areas of Ayta ash Shab and Souaneh in southern Lebanon.

In video, released by the IDF, showed aircraft dropping bombs on military compounds.

A US Marine guards the entrance to the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, April 13, 2024. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

After a video conference Sunday, the G7 leaders issued a joint statement “unequivocally condemning in the strongest terms” Iran's direct attack on Israel.

U.S., Italy, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and Canada said that Iran, “with its actions, has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation.”

They said their nations “stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.”

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war was touched on the G7's statement, with the world leaders promising to, “end the crisis in Gaza.”

The leaders also promised to bolster “humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.”

In response to Iran's "unprecedented historic" attack on Israel, former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe sounded the alarm on the "long list" of deterrence failures committed by the Biden administration.

During his appearance on "Sunday Morning Futures," Ratcliffe argued that the Biden administration’s "fractured" relationship with Israel emboldened Iran to strike Israel, an assertion that has been echoed by many Americans. 

JOHN RATCLIFFE:  The word people keep using to describe this attack is unprecedented, and it is. But that's why it's ironic that we find ourselves in the all too familiar position of talking about a long list of deterrence failures by the Biden administration. Of course, the failure to deter Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine and then, after the attack on Israel on October the 7th, the failure of the Biden administration with hollow talking points, A single word 'Don't.' And the response to that, as you know, was more than 170 attacks on U.S. Forces. And the deaths of three Americans, dozens of traumatic brain injuries, so clearly not working. Which is why I was surprised that those very same hollow words and threats from the Biden administration, 'Don't,' were used last week, after Israel took out IRGC general. Mohammad Zahedi, who was the architect of those October 7th attacks. 

After Iran’s attack on Israel was largely thwarted by the country’s defenses and key allies, attention has turned to how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could choose to respond.

"The fact that the Iranian attack was a total failure does not detract even an ounce from Israel’s obligation to retaliate against Iran for its direct act of aggression," Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesman for the IDF and senior fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) focused on the Middle East, told Fox News Digital.

The comments come after Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones from its own territory at Israel on Saturday, an attack that Israel claims was largely beaten back by its sophisticated defenses and the help of allies in the region.

But the brazen Iranian attempt has opened up questions about how Israel may choose to respond, even amid reports that the Biden administration has urged Netanyahu to show restraint in a bid to prevent an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

"It’s hard to conceive of a world in which Israel responds to Iran’s crossing of redlines by merely absorbing Tehran’s missile and drone strikes. It’s even harder to think of such a world in a post-October 7 Middle East," Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at FDD focused on Iranian security, told Fox News Digital. "Despite two decades of alarm ringing over the Iranian nuclear program, Israel has thus far not overtly attacked Tehran’s nuclear program. One wonders the degree to which this may change as Israel prepares its response."

This is an excerpt of an article from Fox News' Michael Lee

Israel fended off a furious attack on Saturday with the help of powerful allies in the region and around the world.

Multiple countries came together to help fend off over 300 drones and missiles launched at Israel from Iran, with the Israeli Defense Forces claiming that roughly 99% of the attack had been thwarted by their forces and allies.

"At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week.  Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles," President Biden said in a statement condemning the Iranian attack.

But the U.S. was not the only country to step up in the defense of Israel, with France, Jordan and the United Kingdom also playing roles in intercepting the attack.

Senior French officials told Fox News Sunday that several of the Iranian projectiles had been intercepted by French forces over Iraq and Jordan.

"France has ground-air defense elements in the region to protect its forces. They were used to neutralize what flew over our rights," confirmed a source familiar with the matter.

The U.K.’s Royal Air Force also participated in the defense, according to a Times of Israel report, with RAF fighters intercepting an unknown number of drones in the region bound for Israel and vowing that its jets in the Middle East "will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required."

Meanwhile, a Jordanian security source confirmed to Reuters that its forces intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that had violated the country’s airspace en route to Israel. The country also indicated that it was stepping up reconnaissance flights in the area and had briefly closed its airspace Saturday as a precautionary measure.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Michael Lee

The Israeli military is calling in two additional brigades to operate in Gaza, the IDF announced on Sunday.

The move comes one day after Iran launched a wave of hundreds of missiles and drones against Israel on Saturday. The IDF did not offer details about what the new troop deployment will entail, but the two brigades will total roughly 5,000 soldiers.

"In accordance with the situational assessment, the IDF is calling up approximately two reserve brigades for operational activities on the Gazan front," the IDF said in a statement. "Their calling will allow the continuous effort and readiness to defend the state of Israel and the security of civilians."

The influx of troops could signal that Israel is ready to move forward with an invasion of Rafah, a goal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken of for months.

Rafah is in southern Gaza on the border with Egypt and Israel says the last of Hamas is holding out there. The city is also host to roughly one million Palestinians who were displaced by the fighting in northern Gaza.

President Biden's administration has repeatedly warned against an invasion of Rafah, however, saying the civilian cost would be too high.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he didn't agree with President Biden on his stance that the U.S. wouldn't join in an offensive operation against Iran during an interview on Sunday, saying he would never "capitulate to the fringe" of his party.

CNN host Jake Tapper asked Fetterman to respond to reports that Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. wouldn't participate in any offensive operations against Iran during a conversation on Saturday. 

"Do you think that's the right call or should direct U.S. military action, as some of your colleagues in the Senate are suggesting, should that be on the table?" he asked. 

"I don't agree with that, I just think we should follow and have Israel's back in the situation. I don't agree with the president. That doesn't change anything that he‘s a fantastic president. I‘m proud to stand with him and campaign for him and vote for him," he responded. 

Tapper asked Fetterman to respond to Sen. Marco Rubio, who said the fact that the White House was leaking this information about the Biden-Netanyahu conversation was "offensive" to him because it signaled Biden was trying to "appease the far left in his party." 

"The president is entitled to his own views and whatever he decides to do. But I would never capitulate to the fringe. I'll never pander to that as well. In fact, that empowers Hamas and Hamas, they're actually convinced they're winning the PR war. And they’re never going to negotiate at this point. They think that they’re going to hold onto the very end," Fetterman said. 

"And I know why they’re not willing to provide any kind of proof of life. And I don’t know why there’s not more of that conversation in the media, like what about the hostages? What’s happened to them? Where are they now? And let’s just bring them home. And then all of the harsh words should be directed at Hamas, which started this. And now continues to hold all of over 100 Israeli hostages," he continued. 

Fetterman argued Hamas could end the war today if they released the hostages. 

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Hanna Panreck

President Biden's national security spokesman John Kirby joined ‘Fox News Sunday’ to break down Iran’s latest attack on Israel, arguing that Biden has worked ‘very hard’ to keep tensions from escalating.

He also argued that China should do more to de-escalate tensions by working through its connections with Iran.

Kirby said it is "up to the Israelis to decide" where the conflict goes from here following Iran's attack. He emphasized, however, that Biden has worked "very hard" to prevent Israel's war against Hamas from spreading into a broader regional war.

He went on to defend Biden's policies toward Iran, saying the administration has been "tough" on the country since day one, citing sanctions and other efforts.

"They launched more than 100 ballistic missiles, and they didn't get through. The reason they didn't make it through is because Biden prepositioned forces in the region to help Israel shoot them down,:" Kirby said.

Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior fellow Behnam Ben Taleblu joined Fox News on Sunday to break down Iran's strategy, Israeli retaliation and potential escalation in the Middle East.

"In essence I think the regime is trying to enact a death by a thousand cuts strategy against Israel," Taleblu said. "We know that for 45 years it's had enmity, ideological and strategic, with the Jewish state, and when it says 'death to Israel' it means it. When it says 'death to America,' it means it."

"Unlike other actors, this regime knows how to fight another day. I think last night was just the beginning of a change that we're seeing in the security posture of the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism," he added. "Expect more, not less public operations."

Taleblu went on to say that Iran is aware that it has an "exceptionally outdated" air force and missile arsenal. Nevertheless, the country has large stockpiles of the same kinds of missiles and drones used in Saturday night's attack.

Taleblu predicted that even with the 300 projectiles launched on Saturday, Iran is likely capable of sending a barrage totaling "hundreds more."

"I fear that this might just be the tip of the iceberg," he said.

President Biden is facing heavy criticism and mockery over his failed attempt to deter Iran from carrying out an attack against Israel on Sunday.

Prior to Iran's attack, Biden had simply told the country "don't," without offering any consequences are warnings. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted the move on Friday, barely a day before Iran would ignore Biden's statement and launch 300 missiles and drones toward Israel.

“Well, he said don’t multiple times and don’t isn’t a national security policy,”  Pompeo said at the time. “It’s not even a deterrent.”

"So much for 'Don't,'" he wrote in a follow-up tweet on Saturday.

"When your Secretary of State declares near moral equivalence between good, our ally Israel, and evil, the Islamic Republic, you get bad guys wreaking destruction," he added. "Susan and I are praying for the people of Israel and our military warriors in the region."

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman took a similar tone, but also went after Biden for granting Iran sanctions relief.

"About six months ago, Biden looked Hezbollah and Iran in the proverbial eye and said 'Don’t.' Since then, Hezbollah has attacked Israel daily, almost 100,000 Israelis have been displaced from their homes in the North with no idea when they will return, Iran has received $26 billion in sanctions relief and the US carrier strike forces have sailed away. US policy here is weak, confused and unproductive," he said.

April marks six months since Hamas terrorists launched unprecedented attacks on Israeli civilians, plunging the region into war and creating international turmoil with no end in sight.

Visiting several sites cast into chaos that fateful October day, wartime survivor and Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall shared what transpired, including at the site of the Nova Music Festival in Re'im, on Fox Nation's latest series "Surviving Hamas."

"We've all seen those videos of people running, screaming, trying to get away when Hamas attacked, and what Hamas did is that they surrounded the entire site, and wherever people were running, they were waiting to ambush them off when they got in their cars, and they tried to get out of here. The Hamas terrorists went car-to-car shooting people, and each one throwing grenades into each one," he said in the special.

Trees have been planted for every one of the nearly 360 Israelis who died that day, sending a message that they will be born again, and that those affected will get through these times of strife.

"There is a future, but a lot of people you speak to feel that things have changed. Things have changed forever in Israel because of what happened that day," Hall explained.

One survivor interviewed – 21-year-old Maya Regev – said that day "completely changed" her, and that she looks at the world differently now. 

She attended the music festival with her 18-year-old brother Itay, where both were met by their friend, 21-year-old Omer Shem Tov.

"We were dancing, the three of us. And then they shut the music down, and they told us that there are rockets," Regev recalled. "At first, we didn't understand."

The three ran to their vehicle, desperate to flee the attack. During their escape, they saw dead bodies en masse. Regev called her father when things went further south.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Taylor Penley

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Top Iranian generals claimed that the country's attack on Israel "achieved its goals" on Sunday, despite air defenses from the U.S., Israel and elsewhere intercepting the vast majority of the barrage.

Generals Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami responded to questions regarding the attack on Sunday.

"The operation achieved its goals," the generals said, going on to claim that Israel's air defenses were "incapable of dealing with the attack."

"The U.S. failed to thwart the operation," the generals added.

Iran launched some 300 missiles and drones toward Israel on Saturday, and roughly 99% of them were intercepted. President Biden lauded the Israeli defense as "remarkable" in a statement late Saturday.

"Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel," Biden said.

Israel shared footage of its air defenses in action over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

An anti-Israel protester wept as a judge arraigned her in California on Friday after she allegedly threatened to murder public officials at a city council meeting.

Riddhi Patel, 28, sobbed as she pleaded not guilty to 18 felony counts after she directed comments to Bakersfield city council members and Republican Mayor Karen Goh for not backing a Gaza cease-fire resolution against Israel and for installing fmetal detectors at city hall.

Patel was ordered to be held on $1 million bail and stay at least 500 yards away from city hall.

Patel was seen on video during the public comment section of the city council meeting on Wednesday claiming she hoped oppressed minorities would guillotine city government members, declaring that even Jesus Christ would kill them, and threatening to go to their houses and murder them.

The activist accused the council members of not caring about the oppression of Palestinians  or people anywhere else in the world and later expressed hope that "the global south" rise up and execute them.

"I remind you that these holidays that we practice, that other people in the global south practice, believe in violent revolution against their oppressors, and I hope one day somebody brings the guillotine and kills all of you mother------," she said.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Stephen Sorace

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The Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday, hours after Iran launched its barrage of missiles and drones.

The wave of Israeli attacks targeted a Hezbollah weapons manufacturing facility as well as other targets, according to the IDF.

"A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck a number of military structures in a complex belonging to Hezbollah's Radwan Forces in the area of Jbaa in southern Lebanon," Israeli forces said in a statement. "Earlier during the night, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Khiam and Kfarkela."

Israel has yet to strike Iran directly following the attack, however, and the country's ultimate plans for a response remain unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed last week to respond to any Iranian assault in kind.

President Biden is reportedly advising Israel not to retaliate, given that its air defenses shot down roughly 99% of Iran's 300 missiles and drones during Saturday's attack. Biden reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel in a Saturday night call with Netanyahu, however.

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President Biden's administration is reportedly advising Israel that it may not have to retaliate against Iran thanks to its overwhelming success in intercepting the roughly 300 missiles and drones launched by Tehran on Saturday.

Biden's team says the successful interceptions were a major victory for Israel and sent a message to Iran and other regional adversaries, the New York Times reported Sunday.

Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after Iran's assault on Saturday, assuring him that Israel had the full support of the U.S. The administration will also convene a meeting with G7 leaders on Sunday.

"Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks--sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel," Biden said, adding that U.S. forces had helped Israel intercept "nearly all" Iran's projectiles.

"While we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people," he continued.

Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, a former advisor to U.S. Israeli Ambassador David Friedman, joined ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to weigh in on Iran’s latest drone attack against Israel.

Lightstone said the attack was an insult to the Biden administration from Iran. It saw Iran launch some 300 drones and missiles toward Israel from its own territory, though Israel says it and its allies intercepted roughly 99% of them.

"Iran looks at the Biden administration and sees complete and total weakness," Lightstone said on Sunday. "Just look at how Iran thumbed their nose at President Biden. They proceeded with this--whether it was performative or whether it was deliberate--over 300 attack objects headed from Iran into Israel in the middle of the night."

"That action happening was testing whether Biden's 'don't' was to Iran or whether it was to Israel, and they've put a bet that when Biden says 'don't,' he's talking to Israel. Just like all of the 'don'ts' in the last six weeks that have been about Israel and not about Hamas," he added.

Israel has so far responded to the attack only by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to formally respond to the attack.

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The Iranian Foreign Ministry celebrated the country's assault against Israel on Sunday, declaring the operation to be "powerful" and "victorious."

Iran launched some 300 drones and missiles from its own territory toward Israel, though vast majority were intercepted by air defenses. The Iranian regime shared a message from President Ibrahim Raisi.

“Raisi sends a message following historic, powerful, victorious operation against [the] Zionist regime,” the foreign ministry wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Iran's armed forces taught a lesson to the Zionist enemy," Raisi said. "Any new adventure will be responded with a heavier and regrettable response."

Israel claims it and its allies intercepted 99% of Iran's drones and missiles during Saturday's attack.

The Israeli military reacted by sending fighter jets to strike multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, including a major weapons manufacturing site.

Israel has yet to announce large-scale retaliation for Iran's attack, however. Its decision could lead to a regional war.

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Jewish organizations shared their "strong" support for Israel's "right and obligation" to defend themselves from the onslaught of missile and drone attacks from Iran.

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein said that the nonprofit organization "strongly supports" Israel's "right and obligation" to defend themselves against Iran's attacks. 

"ZOA strongly supports Israel’s right and obligation to aggressively defend itself from the attacks against it by the extremist, Jew-hating, America-hating Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.

The organization's president encouraged Israel to "devastate" Iranian nuclear facilities, saying that they were "totally behind" Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

"We also strongly support Israel taking this opportunity to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities being developed to destroy the Jewish State and massacre millions of Jews, and others," Klein said. "Iran was totally behind the October 7th massacre nightmare. Now is the time to devastate Iran’s military/nuclear capabilities."

Klein urged President Biden to support Israel, to reinstate sanctions and to stop their "dangerous" policy of providing funds to Iran.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten

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International world leaders collectively condemned Iran's drone and missile attacks on Israel, calling for peace in the Middle East.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he condemned Iran’s "reckless" attack against Israel.

"I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime's reckless attack against Israel," Sunak said in a statement. "Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard."

"The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq," he added. "Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation."

"No one wants to see more bloodshed," Sunak said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the UK's leaders, saying that the country "unequivocally condemns" Iran's attacks.

"Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel," he said. "After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult."

"These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region," Trudeau said. "We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks."

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Iran's attacks had the "potential to plunge the entire region into chaos."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Sunday that any reaction by Israel, or by any of its allies that includes the U.S., will be met with a “stronger and more decisive response” than Saturday’s attack upon Israel.

Iran launched about 300 drones and missiles from inside its borders and westward to Israel on Saturday, most of which were intercepted or shot down. 

This was expected during a retaliatory response after Iran alleged that Israel fired missiles into Damascus, Syria, that killed several top-ranking Iranian officials earlier this month.

Israel has pledged to strike back on any attacks against them, and Iran already has proactively announced its pending reaction, should it happen.

“I emphasize that any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation will face a heavier and regretful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Raisi said, according to the state’s website. “The brave men of the armed forces monitor every movement by monitoring the developments in the region, and if the Zionist regime or its supporters show a staggering behavior per capita, they will receive a decisive and far more formidable response.”

Israel reopened its airspace at about 9:45 a.m. local time Sunday a few hours after Iran said its attacks on the Jewish state were "deemed concluded."

Ben Gurion International Airport is operational, according to the airport's website, but some airlines have canceled flights to and from Israel for the time being.

The Israel Defense Forces said Sunday morning it intercepted 99% of the more than 300 Iranian drones and missiles launched in its direction during the attack, which began Saturday night.

"Together with a defense coalition of international partners, we achieved a successful interception of 99% of aerial threats launched by Iran," the IDF wrote on X.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari described the interceptions as "a very significant strategic achievement."

German politician Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, who’s the 13th president of the European Commission Union (EU), tweeted Sunday that she and the EU condemn the attacks of Iran upon Israel this weekend.

“I strongly condemn Iran‘s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel,” she tweeted. “And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks.

“All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region.”

This comes as countries from Japan in the east to Sweden in the west publicly condemn Iran’s barrage attack as well.

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant assessed operations in his country after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles Saturday night and said Israel avoided any major damage. Nearly everything launched at them was intercepted with exceptions of debris dropping into sparsely-populated territory.

Gallant did say, however, that Iran showed its colors during the operation.

“Overnight, the whole world saw the true face of Iran – a terrorist state that attacked the State of Israel from a distance of 1,500 km and in doing so also attempted to employ all of its proxies,” Gallant said Sunday morning. “On the other hand, the world also saw the power of a coalition, and how Israel, together with the United States and additional partners, stood together and thwarted this attack in a way that is unparalleled.”

Gallant completed an operational situation assessment with senior officials in Israel’s defense establishment to begin preparations for looming attacks from both Iran and its proxies.

“Together with the United States and additional partners, we managed to defend the territory of the State of Israel. Very little damage was caused – this is the result of the IDF’s impressive operations.

“The campaign is not over yet – we must remain alert and attentive to the instructions published by the IDF and Homefront Command. We must be prepared for every scenario. Having said this, we have thwarted the most significant wave [of the attack], and we did so successfully.”

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said late Saturday night that dozens of missiles and UAVs launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen en route to Israel had been intercepted, and that U.S. troops and allies in the region remained committed to providing continued support for Israel and enhancing regional stability.

Austin called upon Iran and its proxies to “halt any further attacks” and increasing tensions. The defense secretary didn’t threaten the countries with direct force.

“We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel,” Austin said.

“I am grateful for the professionalism and the skill of the brave U.S. troops who took part in today’s actions and who continue to stand guard to prevent further conflict or escalation. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and to consult with our allies and partners.”

President Joe Biden during a statement Saturday night said he condemns “these attacks in the strongest possible terms” against Israel.

“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week.  Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles,” Biden said.

Biden said that his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed an “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.”

Biden said he plans to persuade G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.  

“My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders.  And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.”

Airlines canceled flights to and from Israel as the country fended off a barrage of missile and drone attacks from Iran on Saturday.

Israel prepared for the missile and drone attacks by closing its airspace to both domestic and international airlines starting at 12:30 a.m. Sunday local time.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, United Airlines said that it canceled Saturday's flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport, in Tel Aviv, Israel. 

This is an excerpt of a story by FOX Business' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten. Click here to read the full report.

Following Iran's attack on Israel, former President Trump shared a heated message to those in attendance at his rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, vowing it should not have happened. 

"Before going any further, I want to say God bless the people of Israel. They're under attack right now. That's because we show great weakness," Trump said to open his speech. "The weakness that we've shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office. You know that. They know that, and everybody knows that." 

Trump continued, saying that America is praying for Israel and is sending absolute support to everyone in harm's way.

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price. Click here to read the full report.

Prior to former President Trump's rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, many of his supporters sounded the alarm about the failures of President Biden's administration following Iran's attack on Israel. 

Fox News reporters spoke to several people ahead of Trump's rally who expressed grave concern over the attack on Israel.

"ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen — This would NEVER have happened if I were President!," Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

The supporters reiterated Trump's message that strikes on Israel and Ukraine would never have happened if he was still president. They also emphasized the need for leadership, saying that Biden is weak on the world stage.

This is an excerpt of a report by Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price. Click here to read the full report.

Iran is defending its drone and missile attack on Israel, calling it a direct response to the deadly attack on its Syrian consulate that the Islamic Republic blamed on Israel.

In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iran’s ambassador to the U.N., Amir Saeid Iravani blamed the U.N. Security Council for failing “in its duty to maintain international peace and security [by] allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principle of international law.”

“Such violations have exacerbated tensions in the region and threatened regional and international peace and security,” Irvani said.

He warned that Iran would “not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required.”“Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be strong, and more resolute,” he said.  

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Sunday after Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Israel from its territory.

The meeting comes after Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan sent an urgent letter to the President of the U.N. Security Council demanding the Council meet immediately, condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, and designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.

In his letter, Erdan said Iran’s attack was “in clear violation of the UN Charter and international law.”

“Iran has also publicly taken pride in the attack. The attack is a severe and dangerous escalation,” he said.

Iran had been threatening all week to attack Israel after an airstrike widely blamed on Israel destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two elite Iranian generals.

By Sunday morning that attack appeared to have been largely ineffective. Israel said it intercepted the majority of missiles launched by Iran.

Israel has successful intercepted the majority of surface-to-surface missile launches from Iran towards Israel territory late Saturday and early Sunday, the IDF said.

The IDF said its Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches using the "Arrow" Aerial Defense System, together with Israel's strategic allies, before the launches crossed into Israeli territory.

“A small number of hits were identified, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure,” the IDF said.

“Over the past few hours, many dozens of hostile aircraft, as well as dozens of cruise missiles, from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory and intercepted. Dozens of IAF fighter jets are currently operating to intercept all aerial threats approaching Israeli territory. The IDF is deployed on all fronts, prepared, and continuing to defend Israeli territory.”

Paluska prepares for a joint operation between Green Berets and ANASOC forces during his deployment to Ghazni province in 2013. (Courtesy of John Paluska)

Retired Green Beret John Paluska is calling on the U.S. to continue supporting Israel after Iranian launched a series of drones and missiles at the Jewish state late Saturday.

“I think the U.S. should continue to support Israel and pledge whatever intelligence assets are needed in the immediate hours and whatever military assets that Israel will need in the future,” Paluska told Fox News Digital.

Paluska, who was injured by an Iranian-built EFP, or roadside bomb, while deployed in Baghdad, Iraq, said providing that additional support will make Iran have “second thoughts about further attacks.”

His comments come hours after Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel, firing more than 100 bomb-carrying drones. Hours later, Iran said it had also launched more destructive ballistic missiles.

The attack was widely expected as Iran had been threatening Israel this past week after an airstrike destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing a dozen people, including two of Iran’s top generals.

Paluska argued that there was no reason for financial markets to panic, and that the latest move was likely posturing from Iran.

“I do not believe that we’re at a point where either side wants to be involved in a full-scale kind of war with ground troops,” he said. “Iran is taking some pride in this large scale aerial attack, but it is rather low tech and rather unimpressive.”

He further argued that Iran’s ultimate aim was likely to distract Israel from their current engagement of ridding the Gaza Strip of Hamas militants.

“The message is they want to show … that they have their strength and power and that their enemies should back out. And personally, I think that it will stop here,” Paluska said.

“I don’t think that there will be much more after this conflict. There will be posturing and there will be lots of threats. But Iran knows that the U.S. will step in. Israel knows that they’re going to lose momentum in Gaza because they’re going to have to refocus military efforts on Iran. And so it’s not beneficial to either of those countries.” 

"I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities," United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war."

An Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Shahed-136, is being displayed at the Azadi (Freedom) Square in western Tehran, Iran, on February 11, 2024, during a rally to mark the 45th anniversary of the victory of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. (Getty Images)

Iran's mission to the United Nations argued that the country's missiles and drones fired toward Israel were justified, warning the U.S. to "stay away."

"It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!," Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a statement.

Iran's warning came as U.S. officials confirmed to Fox News that the U.S. military is continuing to shoot down Iranian drones that are headed toward Israel.

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten. Click here to read the full report.

Israeli forces have intercepted a missile over Jerusalem hours after Iran launched an attack from its own territory.

The Israeli military says Iran has fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran launched more destructive missiles.

As Iran launched a large wave of attack drones and missiles toward Israel on Saturday, the Israeli military was tracking and preparing to intercept the weapons in the first-ever direct attack on Israel by the Islamic Republic, the Times of Israel reported.

Earlier Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had for weeks "been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran."

Netanyahu said Israel's "air defenses are deployed, we are ready for any scenario, both in attack and in defense." 

Israel's missile defense system includes a complex range of weapons to protect and defend its country. 

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price. Click here to read the full report.

Iran launched dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, at Israel on Saturday evening local time after a week of threatening retaliation for an attack on a consulate in Damascus.

"Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel," White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement Saturday. "President Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team and will meet with them this afternoon at the White House." 

Iran’s state-run news agency Mehr News reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had announced the start of the "anti-Zionist operation," which would hit targets in the Palestinian territories, with further details of the operation announced soon. 

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Peter Aitken. Click here to read the full report.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a press conference at Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on April 12, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Getty Images)

Lawmakers reacted after Iran launched drones from its own territory toward Israel late Saturday, calling for the White House to "stand firm" and "stop coddling Iran." 

Speaker Mike Johnson pledged America's "full resolve" to stand with Israel.

"As Israel faces this vicious attack from Iran, America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally," Johnson said in a statement. "The world must be assured: Israel is not alone."

Johnson promised to "insist upon a proper response" from the White House."I will continue to engage with the White House to insist upon a proper response," he said. "The Biden Administration’s undermining of Israel and appeasement of Iran have contributed to these terrible developments."

The U.S. military has shot down "at least dozens" of Iranian drones en route to Israel late Saturday and early Sunday, a senior U.S. official tells Fox News.

"U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region," a U.S. official said.

The interceptions come hours after Iran launched drones, and later ballistic missiles, following a deadly strike on its Syrian consulate earlier this month.

Fox News can confirm that the U.S. closely coordinate with Jordan and Egypt.

Iran said earlier Sunday that its attack "can be deemed concluded" but warned it would respond decisively to any nation that let Israel use its airspace to attack Iran.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency says Tehran has fired ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel.

The statement came hours after Israel's military said Iran had launched drone attacks from its own territory toward Israel.

Iran's defense minister has warned that Tehran will give a "decisive response" to any country that allows Israel to use its airspace for attacking Iran.

The message comes after the IDF said late Saturday that Iran had launched drones toward Israel, marking the first time Iran had launched a full-scale military assault on Israel despite more than four decades of hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with his War Cabinet at the Kirya in Tel Aviv early Sunday after Iran launched a drone strike on Israel.

US President Joe Biden (L) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) meet in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 18, 2023. (Getty Images)

The White House vowed Saturday that the United States' support for Israel's security is "ironclad," pledging to stand with the Jewish state and "support their defense" after Iran launched an aerial drone attack towards the country Saturday afternoon. 

Iran launched drones from its own territory toward Israel  late Saturday, days after its Supreme Leader warned it would hit back in response to an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that left several generals dead. 

"Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel," White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement Saturday. "President Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team and will meet with them this afternoon at the White House." 

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman. Click here to read the full report.

Iran launched drones toward Israel late Saturday, the Israeli military announced, and Iran's state-run media reported that dozens had been fired. 

The Israeli army’s spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said it would take several hours for the aircraft to arrive and that the country was prepared. 

"We are closely monitoring Iranian killer drones that are en-route to Israel sent by Iran," he said. "This is a severe and dangerous escalation. Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large- scale attack from Iran."

Hagari said Israel is “prepared and ready” with defensive and offensive actions. He also said there was “tight” cooperation with the U.S. and other partners in the region.

Hagari said Israel has an “excellent air defense system” but stressed it is not 100% effective and urged the public to listen to safety announcements.

Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD) tells Fox News Digital that Israel has "significant assets" with which to defense itself against an impending drone strike from Iran.

"The open question right now is: how many Iran sent, at what target, what flight path they will take, and then in what manner Israel will choose to respond?" he said.

The White House National Security Council (NSC) said Saturday that the Iran had begun an airborne attack against Israel. The attack came weeks after a deadly strike on Iran's consulate in Syria. Israel has not confirmed its involvement.

Iran launched drones from its own territory toward Israel  late Saturday, days after its Supreme Leader warned it would hit back in response to an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that left several generals dead. 

Earlier Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had for weeks "been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran." 

The Prime Minister said Israel's "air defenses are deployed, we are ready for any scenario, both in attack and in defense." 

This is an excerpt of a story by Fox News Digital's Greg Norman and Bradford Betz. Click here to read the full report.